The Horticultural Trades Association has called for the UK and EU to conclude negotiations on a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement in a meaningful and beneficial way, following two days of discussions in Brussels between UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs).

The HTA, which sits on the UK DAG and the UK DAG Trade and Customs sub-group, attended to represent the UK environmental horticulture sector. The DAG-to-DAG meeting and Civil Society Forum focused on the ongoing implementation and operation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), also referencing the wider negotiations announced under last year’s Common Understanding, including the anticipated SPS Agreement.

Discussions covered trade in goods, regulatory cooperation, trade in services, energy and climate, among other issues, as the UK and EU continue to shape the future of their trading relationship ahead of the next UK-EU Summit, expected later this summer.

Separately, Defra has published new guidance today for businesses on preparing for a future SPS Agreement, outlining how businesses can begin considering the potential practical implications ahead of any final agreement. Environmental horticulture is one of the areas that stands to benefit most from a successful SPS Agreement, given the significant impact border friction has had on horticultural businesses since the UK left the EU. The Horticulture-specific guidance is here.

DEFRA said it will continue to work closely with businesses and representative organisations to support understanding and preparation as negotiations progress, with further detailed information expected over the summer.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“The primary ask from both the UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups is the wish to see the SPS negotiations conclude in a meaningful and beneficial manner.

“We welcome the decision by the Cabinet Office and Defra to recognise horticulture as a distinct industry within the Government’s newly published SPS business preparation guidance, reflecting the sector’s specific trading requirements and operational needs.

“Key to the successful future operation of any SPS deal is ensuring both existing DAGs play a structured role in its future operation and implementation, as well as all Common Understanding initiatives still under negotiation. That can only happen if those initiatives are integrated with or aligned with the TCA, so it is important that the DAGs have input and oversight to help ensure their success, as well as for any subsequent agreements built on the TCA framework.

“The expertise to do this is in the room already, so adding extra governance structures on top of the existing TCA mechanisms would be counterproductive and risk undermining the effectiveness of the deal.”

The joint statement from the UK and EU DAGs reaffirmed the support for a renewed UK-EU trade agenda following last year’s inaugural UK-EU Summit. It also highlighted the importance of reducing trade barriers, supporting competitiveness and strengthening cooperation between the UK and the EU.